Understanding Digital Libel: Lydia Wanjiru's Case and Kenya's Cybercrimes Act

In the emotional aftermath of her partner Frank Doso’s fall from a fourth-floor balcony, Lydia Wanjiru faced a different kind of trauma. While Doso recovered from his injuries, Wanjiru became the target of widespread speculation, unverified claims, and malicious rumours across social media.

Some of these claims were particularly vicious, with some posts even accusing her of intentionally causing the accident.

The Spread of Digital Libel

Lydia revealed that several online personalities and bloggers published damaging falsehoods about her. "Some Facebook bloggers and a Kisumu influencer posted about how I am Leone's sugar mummy, and that being a Kikuyu, I only forgave to revenge — and that I’m the one who pushed him," she said.

The defamatory comments weren't just limited to public posts. Lydia discovered that conversations in private WhatsApp groups also turned toxic and hurtful.

“They didn’t know I had his phone — and ChatGPT came through with the interpretations. Yooh, those were dealt with by my lawyer.”

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What Is Digital Libel?

Digital libel is a serious offence that involves publishing false and harmful statements about someone online. This includes content on platforms like Facebook, X, blogs, and even in private group chats. For it to be a legal issue, the statement must:

• Damage someone’s reputation.

• Be published to a third party.

• Be provably false.

Under Kenya's Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2018), digital libel is a punishable offence. Those found guilty could face fines of up to KSh 5 million, two years in prison, or both. 

The Personal Toll and a New Outlook

While public attention focused on Doso’s physical recovery, Lydia says the emotional toll of the online scrutiny was immense.

“The only time online talk really got to me — and it got to me so bad — was the first week Doso was in hospital. People were asking when the contributions for the burial would be. That week pushed all my buttons,” she shared.

Now that Frank is out of the hospital, Lydia says she is rethinking how she lives and who she trusts. "It’s made me know things about people around me, and mostly about me privately,” she said.

Her message to online users is unspoken but clear: freedom of speech does not equate to freedom from accountability.